Detailed Look at Putin’s ‘Sovereign’ Gaming Consoles: One Featuring Homegrown Elbrus CPU, the Other a Chinese Replica — Russian Government Acknowledges They’re No Match for PS5 or Xbox

When considering the realm of sovereign computing, results tend to veer in one of two directions: either they falter due to a lack of resources, or they end up mimicking something else altogether, losing their original identity. Recently, after President Putin directed the government to create a Russian gaming console, the industry seems to be taking a hybrid approach—one part involving the development of a unique console powered by the Elbrus processor, as reported by Habr.com, and another part focusing on a cloud gaming platform using affordable consumer hardware, according to RBC’s insights.

Russia’s effort to craft a gaming console centers around the Elbrus processor, known for its Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture, primarily designed for high-stakes, mission-oriented tasks. Yet, when it comes to gaming, the Elbrus hasn’t exactly impressed with its capabilities. Test results are less than stellar, branding its performance as inadequate for most common uses.

In a candid remark, Anton Gorelkin from the State Committee on Information Policy noted, “It is obvious to everyone: Elbrus processors [cannot] compete equally.” This upcoming console isn’t expected to rival big names like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S in terms of sheer performance. This reality has prompted Russian officials to urge developers to think outside the box to tackle these performance hurdles.

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Anton Gorelkin, echoed this sentiment, hoping his peers will tackle the task earnestly and innovate. “Elbrus processors are not yet at the level required to compete equally with the PS5 and Xbox, which means the solution must be unconventional,” he stated.

An unconventional path might involve designing games to the capabilities that Elbrus CPUs can manage—though given the wide access Russians have to top-tier games globally, such simplified offerings may not fly. Alternatively, employing cloud-based rendering could allow gamers to enjoy these titles, assuming they possess excellent broadband connections with minimal delays.

Gorelkin further clarified that the console shouldn’t merely serve as a repository for older titles but also play a role in promoting domestic game development.

In terms of cloud gaming, Russian tech enthusiasts might find themselves drawn to the ambitions of MTS, a key player in Russia’s telecom landscape. Known openly for embracing cloud technology, MTS’s console branding is the “MTS Fog Play” platform.

The device relies on basic hardware, packaged with a controller reminiscent of an Xbox, all for about $50. Naturally, for such a nominal price, the console itself isn’t designed for high-performance Android game rendering. Instead, it leverages MTS’s Fog Play cloud service, supporting both remote and rental gaming. This setup allows gamers who own higher-end PCs to rent games and utilize their existing hardware if they’re interested in MTS’s game offerings.

As of now, neither console is available for purchase, but rest assured that we’ll keep you updated with performance benchmarks and developments as soon as they hit the market.